In this seminar Patricia Kassman will draw on her range of experiences working with the community, private and government sectors to discuss how public-private partnerships supporting SMEs play out at the district level in PNG. In particular, she will reflect on recent experiences working as an adviser in Kandrian District to support the coordination of drought relief assistance, and as Project Manager with Supav Stoas Project, a project dedicated to establishing container stores in rural PNG communities.

Patricia Kassman has held a range of roles in government and non-government organisations in PNG. She has extensive experience working with provincial, district and local level government in PNG.

In several roles, Patricia has successfully consulted with community to identify needs, develop participatory approaches, and subsequently implement projects. A skilled project manager, she has experience managing teams, designing projects, planning strategies, finance and administration. Patricia is also active in research and programming on improving gender equality in PNG. She is currently in Canberra to collaborate with SSGM on research and the development of programs regarding women’s political leadership in PNG.